Muslim. A simple word that provokes many reactions. Some may claim that they’re all terrorists, but most don’t consider the fact that they are often victims of intolerance and discrimination. In reality, most Muslims are very helpful to their community since they apply the Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Khadija is a young Muslim women who was born in Quebec. Although she is a Canadian citizen, she is viewed as an outsider because of her different beliefs. When she walks the streets and people see her hijab (traditional scarf worn by Muslim women to cover the hair and neck), some assume she is a terrorist carrying a bomb in her school bag. Seeing the look on their face saying “You don’t belong here” makes her worry about her security. In October 2015, in Montreal, a pregnant Muslim woman was attacked by two teenagers  while on her way to pick up her daughter at school. The boys grabbed her headscarf, making her fall to the ground. “The real truth is that everyday, I’m scared someone will hit me on the head” Khadija said. Not only are Muslims sometimes persecuted by north Americans, but they are as well victims of terrorism. Lets not forget thant they fled their homeland because of it. The result of old unresolved conflicts.

We rarely hear positive aspects of being a Muslim but the Zakat, a part of the Islamic Religion, obliges them to give back to people around them. There are different parts of the Zakat. Helping people in need is one of them. Not only by giving money, but also providing: service, clothes, and food. As a result, they give 10% of their earnings to foundations around the world and their used clothes are donated to refugees. They offer food to starved communities, and in countries at war. Furthermore, people who have difficulty with the main languages of their adoptive country are helped by volunteers. They can then learn to speak, read and write.

Muslims shouldn’t be treated like they’re not at their place. Everybody has to be considered equal. We are all humans and it’s not because one’s beliefs are different that we shouldn’t be tolerant. “If I stop judging other people, I free myself from being judged.”